I had a small one on the gate to my back yard for a while this summer. It was kind of cool watching the mama build it, she was pretty docile. But all of a sudden there were four or five and they were getting more belligerent when I had to go through the gate. So I took a broom and knocked it off and beat feet around the house. They buzzed around there all angry for the rest of the afternoon, then they left. No biggie. I say knock it down, maybe with a hose on the bigger one.

In the past I've used a propane torch and have had great success. Just make sure whatever the nest is attached to is not flammable or you mind getting a bit charred. I hear the Raid spray work's well, but why spend money when you have a torch?!? It's just more fun!

growing up in houston, we would have to deal w/ these periodically. iirc, my dad would use one of those pesticide cans that spray over a longer distance (like the ones pictured above). just be ready to drop the can and run in case they start buzzing around! maybe it was the persistent, miserable heat there, but i dont remember seeing them go dormant that much.

I'm with clients most evenings - but I did notice those things looked dead early this morning... so tomorrow morning I have to play exterminator.

I hate to kill them, but I don't want my dogs (nor my wife or I) getting p0wned. I got stung at UCSC on yesterday's cyclocross ride with my brother, deep in the trees. Couldn't believe it - it's the second time in the past two weeks.